SportsDirect Inc. staff
Oct 7, 2011

LaMichael James rushed for 239 yards and a touchdown before suffering a horrific-looking right-arm injury in No. 9 Oregon’s 43-15 blowout win over California on Thursday night in Eugene, Ore.

With the Ducks (4-1, 2-0 Pac-12) up 36-15 early in the fourth quarter, James was stuffed at the line of scrimmage on a first-and-goal run at Cal’s 3-yard line. He landed awkwardly, as his right elbow appeared to bend in the wrong direction while he was tackled.

The nation’s leading rusher and Heisman Trophy hopeful remained on the turf for a few minutes before being carted off the field while thousands of worried Oregon fans chanted his name.

It was James’ third consecutive 200-yard rushing effort for the Ducks, who won their 19th straight game at Autzen Stadium.

Cal (3-2, 0-2 Pac-12) led 15-14 at halftime but failed to take advantage of a stagnant Oregon offense. The Golden Bears repeatedly drove into Oregon territory but came away with only one touchdown and three field goals.

After the break, Oregon’s top-ranked offense found its rhythm, blitzing Cal for 22 points and 256 yards in the third quarter alone.

Darron Thomas passed for three second-half touchdowns, including a 3-yard strike to Lavasier Tuinei in the back of the end zone on the first play after James left with his injury to put the Ducks on top 43-15.

Kenjon Barner, the likely replacement if James is out for an extended period of time, rushed for 88 yards on 10 carries, including a 68-yard scamper up the left sideline that gave the Ducks a 29-15 edge in the third quarter.

Oregon has now won 14 consecutive conference games since a loss at Stanford in November 2009.